PM chairs meeting of the Council on Climate Change

•PM: Global awareness on climate change is an opportunity to improve quality of life of citizens

•PM calls for consortium of nations with greatest solar potential

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi today called for a paradigm shift in global attitudes towards climate change, from "carbon credit", towards "green credit." Chairing a meeting of the Prime Minister`s Council on Climate Change, Shri Narendra Modi said that instead of focusing on emissions and cuts alone, focus should shift on what we have done for clean energy generation, energy conservation and energy efficiency, and what more can be done in these areas. Shri Narendra Modi called for a careful evaluation of all the initiatives that have been taken by India in this regard. These include, to mention some: initiatives in solar energy, wind energy, biomass energy, and transportation projects that have reduced distances or travel times.

The Prime Minister said India looks at the global concern and awareness on Climate Change, as a great opportunity for working towards improving the quality of life of its citizens, and making a positive contribution for mankind.

The Prime Minister emphasized India`s "sanskar" (traditions) and "soch" (thinking), where "prakriti prem" (love of nature) was imbibed among people from childhood. The Prime Minister recalled his meeting with leaders of Pacific island nations in Fiji in November 2014, and the apprehension they had over the issue of climate change.

The Prime Minister called for a consortium of all nations who have the greatest solar energy potential. He called upon them to join hands with India for innovation and cutting-edge research that would reduce the cost of solar energy, making it more accessible to people.

The Prime Minister called for a review of curricula in architecture and civil engineering colleges, to include energy efficient design in a big way.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern about the recent terror attack in Paris and further related developments in Europe. Prime Minister Modi lauded the able leadership of Chancellor Angela Merkel in such difficult times.

Prime Minister Modi and Minister Schäuble discussed the federal structure of India, its parallels with Germany, and the lessons that could be applied to the evolving political structure of Europe.

Prime Minister Modi and Minister Schäuble also discussed the key areas of bilateral cooperation between the two countries, viz. Green Energy, Infrastructure, Make in India, Affordable Housing, and Clean Ganga.

Recalling his meeting with Chancellor Angela Merkel on the sidelines of G-20 Summit in Brisbane, Prime Minister said that he is looking forward to his visit to Germany in April, when India will be the Partner Country at the Hannover Fair, as well as the visit of Chancellor Merkel to India later this year.

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The Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka, Mr. Mangala Samaraweera calls on the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, in New Delhi on January 19, 2015.

Prime Minister Modi lauded the people of Sri Lanka for the successful conclusion of elections, which had been watched with great regional and international interest. He congratulated President Sirisena and Prime Minister Wikramasinghe for the impressive victory, which was a vote for unity and change in Sri Lanka. He expressed hope that President Sirisena’s victory will advance peace, reconciliation and development in Sri Lanka, and peace and progress in our region. Describing Sri Lanka as a truly close neighbour and friend, Prime Minister offered India`s continued support and partnership to Sri Lankan Government and people in realising their aspirations.

Stating that “even a few steps can clearly indicate one’s direction”, Prime Minister Modi expressed his admiration for Sri Lankan leadership`s vision of a “truly Sri Lankan government”, inclusive of all voices, and the initial steps taken by the new Government in Sri Lanka for political reconciliation, inclusiveness and participation.

Prime Minister thanked President Sirisena for accepting the invitation to visit India, and looked forward to receiving him at an early date. He also accepted the invitation to visit Sri Lanka at a mutually convenient date.

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Domestic AIR Passengers Grow by 9.7% During 2014

Passengers carried by domestic airlines during Jan-Dec 2014 were 673.83 lakhs as against 614.26 lakhs during the corresponding period of the previous year, thereby registering a growth of 9.7%. The domestic passengers carried by Air India were 124.25 lakhs while the private carriers carried 549.58 passengers. The market share of Air India remained at 18.4% while for the private airlines it was 81.6%. The detailed analysis of data is attached.